Wednesday, November 6, 2013

I have always been very open about my faith.I am first and foremost a Christian. What does that mean to me?It means I believe with all my heart in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.I believe Jesus was born to a virgin, died on a cross and brought back to life, the son of God and savior of mankind.

However, I purposely remain vague on big issues.I often get criticism, head shakes and frowning faces for not taking stances on issues like gay marriage, abortion, suicide, or whatever others may find morally incomprehensible.

Today I am telling you very openly what my stance is:I don’t have one.Who am I to judge?I am by no means perfect and life is full of color not just black, white and shades of grey (50 or otherwise).My job here on earth is very clear to me.God put me here to be an encourager.How is that possible if I am busy pointing out the faults of another?

I want to show you something:

I don’t see homosexuality, depression, confusion, or even murder listed.Nor do I see a place for my name, stating it is my job to persecute anyone.

Our society is big at finger pointing, and decision making.We are all consumed by who is right and wrong.Let me share something else to put this in perspective:

Innocent little story book, right?Well, I thought so, but I guess by those ever oppressing eyes I was wrong.

Recently I worked a book fair at a grade school.It was wonderful to see children of all ages excited about reading.A little boy in kindergarten brought me this very book and asked how much it was.I knew he didn’t have the money for it, but I got down on my knee and studied the book with him to find the price. It wasn’t my job to ask him why he wanted it, or what about it made him so happy.Nor was it my job to redirect him to a more “masculine” genre.I do have to admit I giggled a little inside, only because his excitement was infectious.

Anyway, I was getting ready to help him put it on his wish list, so he could tell his parents how much to send the next day, but before I was able the librarian walks by and snatches it out of his hand and says “You don’t want that book!”

I was more than shocked, yet he didn’t seemed phased, “Okay,” he replied and was off to find another book.I’m sure my jaw was still agape when I looked to her in protest, “We were going to write it on his wish list.”She just rolled her eyes, shook her head and walked away.

First how did she know why he was excited?Maybe he wanted it as a gift, maybe he is surrounded by sisters and recognized it, or maybe he just really LOVES Barbie.I don’t know and furthermore I don’t care. He WAS EXCITED…about a BOOK!

Why would anyone find it in their heart to look at a kindergartener with such shrewdness?Are we not here to inspire, reassure and nurture the children who own our future?I wondered if she would have reacted the same way if a girl had a book on Hot Wheels.I am not judging her, maybe her reaction was for a far less sinister reason and I imposed my own feelings on her; reading too much into her abrupt rude behavior, (I doubt it, but it is possible).

Like I said, it is not my place to judge, discourage, or ridicule another.My journey consist of loving those around me, raising my children to be kind, hardworking individuals, to highlight the beauty I see in the world and to maybe write a book or two along the way.But sometimes, I feel it is also my job to underline an injustice, to point out something which should be corrected for the sake of those it hurts.My little enthusiastic reader was in no way harming anyone and should have been allowed to enjoy his book and view the world through the eyes God gave him, not those forced upon him.

I am no different from anyone else, there are days I am conflicted about what I perceive as right or wrong, but I am not conflicted about the innocence of children.

FYI The little boy later returned to me with Enchanted Fairytales (another “feminine” book) and I quickly wrote it on his wish list before anyone could say anything.I also offered to put the Barbie book on his list while I was at it, but he grinned and put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Nah, I already have that one.”

“Bring unto me the little children; do not hinder them from coming to me, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”